Brent Arakaki of the Young Okinawans of Hawai'i demonstrates traditional forms of Eisa drumming.

Kapi'olani Community College and the Office of Student Activities are pleased to present the third annual Eisa Drum Festival on Saturday, May 11 from 5:30 to 9 pm, on the Great Lawn (center of campus). The outdoor festival brings together 'ono food prepared by Kapi'olani CC culinary program and the spectacular art form of taiko performed amid the beauty of Diamond Head under the stars. The program begins at 6 pm. The event is free and open to the public, with ample parking on campus.

Performers include Chinagu Eisa Hawai'i, Hawai'i Okinawa Creative Arts, Hawai'i Taiko Kai, Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Karate and Urizun Minyo Group. This year's festival also features special guest performers from Okinawa, including Daiichi Hirata, acclaimed producer, choreographer, and musician, as well as members of Requios, the 2012 World Eisa Competition winner.

Eisa is a form of dance and drumming unique to the people of Okinawa. Originally performed as part of a religious function honoring those who have passed, modern Eisa is an exhilarating combination of singing, chanting, dancing and drumming. In Okinawa and Hawai'i, Eisa continues to be performed at Bon Dances. This year's festival will feature contemporary styles of drumming, with Okinawan taiko, karate, lions, and contemporary folk music.

"The first two festivals have been described as 'magical' and we hope to continue that tradition in our third year," said Shari Tamashiro, Kapi'olani CC Cybrarian, and one of the coordinators of the festival. "We're also very pleased to have celebrity chef instructor Grant Sato and Kapi'olani CC's famous culinary program managing the food booths."

“The bringing together of Island People, Daiichi Hirata from Okinawa and Kawika Napoleon from Hawai'i, was so dynamic. . . it brought forth a sense of joy and pride from within,” said Dorene Niibu of Windard CC.

“When I think of Eisa Fest, I think of it as the first major event of the summer," said Jonathan Wong, faculty member at Kapi’olani CC. "To me, it signals that summer is here and what better way to start the summer off with a bang than with drums, food, music and stars.”

Enjoy an evening under the stars. Bring lawn chairs to sit on, blankets, and jackets. Up to date information on program, schedule, parking, maps, and food items on sale will be posted at www.facebook.com/eisahawaii. Alcohol is strictly prohibited at the event.

To see videos of the 2nd Eisa Festival, go to: http://bit.ly/17quWKz. For photos, go to: http://smu.gs/Z4Mpbj.